ML21322A334
| ML21322A334 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Westinghouse |
| Issue date: | 11/18/2021 |
| From: | Public Commenter Public Commenter |
| To: | Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards |
| NRC/NMSS | |
| References | |
| 86FR43277 | |
| Download: ML21322A334 (5) | |
Text
From:
tvolskay@gmail.com Sent:
Thursday, November 18, 2021 12:11 PM To:
WEC_CFFF_EIS Resource
Subject:
[External_Sender] Public Comment by LWVSC: Docket No. NRC-2015-0039 Attachments:
11-18-2021 LWVSC Correspondence Docket ID NRC-2015-0039.pdf Nuclear Regulatory Commission, On behalf of the League of Women Voters of South Carolina, please find attached comments pertaining to proposed relicensing of the Westinghouse Electric Company Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility; Docket No. NRC-2015-0039.
Ted Volskay Co-Chair Environmental Working Group
Federal Register Notice:
86FR43277 Comment Number:
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Subject:
[External_Sender] Public Comment by LWVSC: Docket No. NRC-2015-0039 Sent Date:
11/18/2021 12:10:56 PM Received Date:
11/18/2021 12:11:15 PM From:
tvolskay@gmail.com Created By:
tvolskay@gmail.com Recipients:
"WEC_CFFF_EIS Resource" <WEC_CFFF_EIS.Resource@nrc.gov>
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gmail.com Files Size Date & Time MESSAGE 325 11/18/2021 12:11:15 PM 11-18-2021 LWVSC Correspondence Docket ID NRC-2015-0039.pdf 535865 Options Priority:
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November 18, 2021 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Re: Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC Columbia South Carolina Fuel Fabrication Facility License Renewal Application Docket ID NRC-2015-0039 The Westinghouse Electric Company (WEC) is in the process of renewing their license to continue operation of its Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility (CFFF) for an additional 40 years. The League of Women Voters of South Carolina (LWVSC) recommends renewal of the WEC license to operate the CFFF for 10 years.
The LWVSC has been at the forefront of efforts to protect SCs air, land and water resources. Extensive documentation including a September 17, 2021 letter from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) indicates that the WEC CFFF has a history of uncontrolled releases of radioactive and non-radioactive hazardous wastes into the environment (main.jsp (nrc.gov)). Statements, concerns and a recommendation from the letter include:
There have been multiple leaks or spills that have resulted in subsurface contamination at the CFFF site since the last license renewal.
Investigations of subsurface contamination from past events have not been definitive in identifying the sources of contaminants, the initiation of contaminant releases, and the total amounts of contaminants released to the environment.
The methods by which the groundwater quality objectives of the consent agreement will be met are unknown.
DOI is concerned that an existing subsurface contamination plume from the CFFF could have potential impacts to Congaree National Park (CONG) and the Congaree River.
DOI recommends a license alternative less than 40-years which would allow for an examination for potential relicensing and evaluation of environmental impacts over a shorter span of time.
In addition to concerns expressed by the DOI, the LWVSC is concerned that historical and possibly ongoing releases of hazardous materials from the CFFF will compromise groundwater quality in South Carolinas Coastal Plain aquifer system. The CFFF is located southeast of the fall line (see attachment). The fall line separates the crystalline rocks of the piedmont from the sedimentary formations of the Coastal Plain. Groundwaters southeast and in close proximity of the SC fall line recharge
groundwater in the Lower Coastal Plain aquifer system (Aucott). The SC Upper and Lower Coastal Plain aquifer systems are the source of potable water for millions of South Carolinians.
Releases of hazardous contaminants from the CFFF are preventable and therefore unacceptable.
Likewise, effective measures to remediate soil and groundwater impacted by historical releases should be prioritized. Limiting the CFFF operating license to 10-years may incentivize WEC to become better stewards of SCs environment and natural resources.
Sincerely, League of Women Voters of South Carolina Nancy Williams, President president.lwvsc@gmail.com Submitted via E-mail to WEC_CFFF_EIS@nrc.gov cc: LWVSC Issues & Action LWVSC Environmental Working Group League of Women Voters of Horry County
Attachment:
Location of Carolina Fuel Fabrication Facility Relative to Fall Line
ATTACHMENT: LOCATION OF CAROLINA FUEL FABRICATION FACILITY RELATIVE TO FALL LINE Source: Hydrology of the Southeastern Coastal Plain Aquifer System in South Carolina and Parts of Georgia and North Carolina By Walter R. Aucott U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1410-E